Veil: A poem by Jayashree Pillai

On nights like this, I lift my veil

And breathe :

Much like you do.

Mine isn't a cotton piece like yours.

Mine is a cloud that

I drew around my frail soul,

To  keep away marauders

Of a different kind.

We are sisters - 

You and I,

Both hidden behind our veils. 

And on nights like this

We drop them to breathe.

When the morning dawns

We drape them again and step out.

Your in-laws await the morning tea.

My business deals summon me.

We are two women - from different worlds,

Bound by a veil.